one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al

ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl

 

 also  -dī-

1

: having one dimension

A straight line is one-dimensional.

The one-dimensional sequence of amino acids is the primary structure.

—Douglas R. Hofstadter

2

: lacking depth or complexity : superficial

To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.

—Bob Fisher

one-dimensionality

ˈwən-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

 also  -dī-

noun

one-di​mension​ally adverb

a one-dimensionally portrayed character

The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Synonyms

• superficial
• shallow

Examples of one-dimensional in a Sentence

a one-dimensional analysis of a novel that has a lot to say about personal courage

Recent Examples on the Web

Make the La Costa Canyon High School offense one-dimensional. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025

Pascal, in a role that could have been one-dimensional, gives Harry genuine humanity and likability. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025

Kansas City’s front can tee off when an opposing offense becomes one-dimensional, and Sunday played out as the perfect example. —Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2025

The success on the ground kept the Steelers in manageable third-down situations and prevented them from becoming one-dimensional. —The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-dimensional

• multidimensional
• unidimensional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped